Periodontal Probe North-Carolina No.23 Handle No.6 - Hu-Friedy - Delynov

What is the Hu-Friedy North-Carolina #23 periodontal probe?

The North-Carolina #23 periodontal probe, often referred to as the nc15 probe in clinical practice, is a manual examination instrument developed by Hu-Friedy. It consists of a graduated working part and a #6 type handle. Its structure is specifically calibrated to offer a precise reading of soft tissues and periodontal structures. Unlike other models, this North-Carolina variant features continuous markings from 1mm to 15mm (1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8-9-10-11-12-13-14-15), which facilitates rigorous monitoring of patients' periodontal health status. This instrument is a standard for practitioners requiring a millimeter evaluation during complex periodontal diagnoses.

What are the clinical indications for this instrument?

The use of the North-Carolina #23 periodontal probe from Hu-Friedy is indicated for the exploration of the sulcus and the measurement of periodontal pockets. In oral surgery and implantology, it allows for quantifying attachment loss, measuring the height of keratinized gingiva, or evaluating soft tissue thickness before a graft. Its extended graduation up to 15mm makes it particularly useful for the diagnosis of severe periodontitis or for measuring drilling depths during certain stages of implant site preparation. It also serves to verify tissue stability during regular periodontal maintenance phases.

What are the technical characteristics of the nc15 probe?

The nc15 probe is distinguished by its specific technical configuration including a #6 handle, designed by Hu-Friedy to meet the gripping needs of surgeons. The active part is equipped with precise graduations from 1 to 15mm, allowing for an evaluation without measurement jumps. Every millimeter is marked, which reduces interpretation errors during clinical reading. The thinness of the tip allows for delicate insertion into the gingival-dental crevice while maintaining the necessary rigidity for optimal tactile transmission of subgingival reliefs. This technical reference is classified as a Class I medical device, guaranteeing its compliance with basic regulatory requirements for non-invasive manual instrumentation.

What are the contraindications for the use of this probe?

According to data from the manufacturer Hu-Friedy, the use of this instrument is reserved exclusively for qualified healthcare professionals. There are no specific medical contraindications listed in the technical documentation, other than the usage precautions related to acute inflammatory states of the gingival tissues which could distort measurements or cause excessive discomfort. It is imperative not to use the instrument if it shows signs of deformation or if the graduations are altered, as this would compromise the accuracy of the periodontal diagnosis. The practitioner must always read the instructions carefully before use to ensure compliance with safety protocols.

What are the maintenance precautions for this non-resorbable probe?

As a non-resorbable metallic instrument intended for repeated use, the North-Carolina #23 periodontal probe requires a rigorous sterilization protocol between each patient. Although cleaning specificities are not detailed here, the instrument must be treated according to current standards for Class I medical devices. It is essential to check the integrity of the millimeter markings after each sterilization cycle to guarantee the reliability of clinical measurements. Careful handling is recommended to avoid bending the graduated tip, which would make the data collected during periodontal probing clinically inaccurate.

Who is the manufacturer and what standards are respected?

The official manufacturer of this instrument is Hu-Friedy Mfg. Co., LLC, located at 3232 N. Rockwell St. Chicago, USA. This medical device is listed under Class I according to current regulations. As a Hu-Friedy product, it benefits from the expertise of a recognized manufacturer in the field of high-precision dental instrumentation. Compliance with Class I indicates that the product meets the safety and performance requirements defined for manual surgical instruments. Healthcare professionals must systematically refer to the instructions for use provided by the manufacturer to ensure use in accordance with the quality and safety standards expected in a dental office.

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